Anxiety, depression and stress in resident doctors in the Central Department in Paraguay in the year 2023

Abstract

Objective: To determine the levels of anxiety, depression and stress in resident physicians of the Central Department in Paraguay in the year 2023. Justification: It is important to know the mental health of resident physicians, since these professionals are in a stage of training and clinical practice that can be highly stressful and demanding. In addition, the results obtained could be used to design strategies for the prevention and treatment of emotional disorders in this population group. Methodology: The methodology used in this study consisted of a self-administered survey was applied to a representative sample of resident physicians of different specialties in different health institutions of the Central Department in Paraguay. The survey included standardized measures to assess the probable diagnosis and severity of stress, anxiety and depression. Results: Of the 174 respondents, 56.90% were between 26 and 30 years of age, followed by 21 to 25 years with 31.03%. A total of 71.84% were female and 48.28% were from the city of Asunción. 42.53% were from the 1st year of residence, followed by the 3rd year with 29.31%. A total of 24.14% were pediatric residents and 14.94% were internal medicine residents. 83.91% were at risk for anxiety, followed by 66.67% for stress and 77.01% for depression. 14.37% had extremely severe and 24.14% severe levels of depression, 7.47% extremely severe and 27.01% severe stress, 52.87% extremely severe and 11.49% severe anxiety. Conclusions: The majority of respondents were at risk for anxiety, followed by stress and depression.